America’s unofficial 51st state
Puerto Rico has 300 days of sunshine a year, some of the world’s top beaches – and the cocktails aren’t bad either
In recent referendums the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico – about 1,600km southeast of Miami – has voted in favour of becoming America’s 51st state. And it might have become a reality if reluctant US senators had not blocked it.
With around 500km of coastline and 300 days of annual sunshine, Puerto Rico is America’s equivalent to our Costa Del Sol.
It’s the third biggest Caribbean island, behind Cuba and Jamaica, and comprises the main island of Puerto Rico along with a cluster of smaller islets offering some of the world’s best beaches. Dollars are the local currency, too, while Americans don’t have to show passports, further boosting its US appeal.
A POTTED HISTORY
Originally home to the indigenous Taino people, Puerto Rico (meaning ‘Rich Port’) was ruled by the Spanish for 400 years after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1493. The country was acquired by the Americans after the 1898 Spanish-American War, and Puerto Ricans have been classed as US citizens for some 100 years.
Each set of rulers has left its imprint on Puerto Rico. Ancient Taino rock carvings are to be found at La Cueva del Indio in Arecibo. Then you have the 16th-Century Unescolisted fortifications of Castillo San Cristobal in Old San Juan. The legacy of American culture is the usual fast-food chains and hotels/motels everywhere.
PINA COLADA, PLEASE
Although disputed, this classic cocktail, below, was reportedly invented by bartender Ramon Marrero in San Juan’s Caribe Hilton in 1954. Whatever its history, in 1978 the pina colada was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico – and it’s available just about everywhere.
BEAUTIFUL BEACH
Often ranked among the world’s top beaches, Playa Flamenco on Culebra Island is best enjoyed on a day trip by boat (sailgetaway.com). Along with pristine white sand and calm, shallow waters, it is notable for two rusty tanks dating from when the US Navy used the island for target practice between 1936 and 1975.
SANDS LESS TRAVELLED
La Playuela is a quiet beach in the south-west. It’s wild, untouched and requires a dirt-track drive or a hike to reach. Upon arrival you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of limestone cliffs, and the 19th-Century Cabo Rojo Lighthouse.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays are in Puerto Rico. The phenomenon sees millions of microscopic sea organisms emitting a blue-green light. Join a kayak tour to see them at Laguna Grande, Mosquito Bay or La Parguera.
TAKE A HIKE
El Yunque has some superb hiking trails where, along the way, you may spot giant tree snails, Puerto Rican parrots and tiny coquis frogs (which make a sound like birdsong). Stop off for a refreshing dip in natural pools and shower under waterfalls (fs.usda.gov/elyunque).
Seven nights at the St Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande and seven nights at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan from €6,212pp, flights from UK included (americaasyoulikeit.com). JetBlue offers return flights from Dublin to San Juan from €555 (jetblue.com).